Arts, Briefly

Compiled by Lawrence Van Gelder

Published: November 18, 2004

But Do They Speak Swedish?

If there are life forms on Vega, 25 light-years from Earth and the brightest star in the constellation Lyra, a gift is on the way. Swedish poets have radioed their work into space, beaming it toward Vega, Reuters reported. ''I can't think of anything more adequate than poetry to communicate what it means to be human,'' said Daniel Sjolin, editor of the Swedish poetry magazine Lyrikvannen and the organizer of the live reading at a Stockholm observatory. But if Vegans share his enthusiasm, he can't look forward to hearing from them anytime soon.

Taniguchi's Next

Fresh from the completion of his plan for the expansion of the Museum of Modern Art, the architect Yoshio Taniguchi, below, has accepted a commission to design the new Asia House for Asia Society Texas on a one-acre site in the Museum District of Houston. The structure, which Asia House described as Mr. Taniguchi's first freestanding new building outside his native Japan, will serve as the permanent home of the Asia Society Texas, one of eight regional centers in the United States and Asia of the Asia Society, which is based in New York. Mr. Taniguchi's project, announced by Edward R. Allen III, chairman of the Asia Society Texas: Asia House, will feature two galleries. One will be for selected works from the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art at the Asia Society; the other is for special exhibitions. Groundbreaking is expected in 2006. The fund-raising goal is $30 million.

Footnotes

Mickey Mouse, who turns 76 today, isn't slowing down. On New Year's Day, he'll take on the role of grand marshal of the 116th Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, Calif., The Associated Press reported. (The only other nonhumans to have led the way are Kermit the Frog in 1996 and Charlie McCarthy, co-marshal with Edgar Bergen in 1940.) The new Woody Allen play, ''A Second Hand Memory,'' doesn't even open officially until Monday, but its run at the Atlantic Theater Company has already been extended. The world-premiere engagement of the show, written and directed by Mr. Allen, was to have ended on Jan. 9. Demand for tickets has led to an extension through Jan. 23. Brooke Shields, praised for her new portrayal of Ruth Sherwood in the musical ''Wonderful Town'' at the Al Hirschfeld Theater, has extended her run. Ms. Shields, who had planned to leave on Jan. 3, will remain through Jan. 30.